While I was away in early July, The Times received a letter from reader Larry Morison, taking issue with my comments on the HST, published July 5.
Here is his letter:
“Today, you have written a ridiculous editorial about why you would vote yes in the HST referendum. The main reason is your negativity and personal hatred towards something, that in the long run, is probably good for the economy of B.C. and all the good things that may come with it. In fact it will also be good to your employer, who with the savings may be able to employ an extra someone.
“As a senior, I don’t have a company or union pension, only that which I have been able to save in my RRSPs. Yes, I will lose my rebate which you will have helped to have taken from the lower income folks, but I know in all, I will help B.C. remain strong by paying my share.
“Need I say more. It’s just sad that you have taken such a negative view, I could say a complete political view. And you should try Economics 101, and also at least listen to the 100 or so economists who say going back to the old system could be a disaster, re the competition in the world economy.”
I was taken aback by his letter, as I hadn’t stated how I was going to vote on the HST question. In fact, I am still making my mind up.
I would never try to tell people how to vote on a question like the HST, or which political party to support. I believe that voters who take the time to fill out a ballot (and in the case of the HST vote, it’s more work than usual) need to be respected — no matter what decision they ultimately make.
The Times, and all the newspapers I have worked at over the past 32 years, try to provide readers with enough information to make up their own minds. We do so in federal, provincial and municipal elections, and that’s what we’ve tried to do in the HST referendum.
My July 5 comments were intended to provide context to the HST debate — how it started, how it has developed and the positives and negatives of the HST that I see. Many of those comments are based on reports that we have run over the past two years on the HST. Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, which is pro-HST, has held two forums on the HST. Bill Vander Zalm came here to speak against it. Colin Hansen defended it in this newspaper the week it was announced. And much else has been published.
I agree with Larry that the HST rebate for people on fixed incomes is good, and I said so. I suggested that it be boosted to apply to more people on lower and fixed incomes.
I also agree that the HST will, in the long term at least, be good for the B.C. economy. In the short term, at a time of high taxes, high gas prices and minimal job creation, it hurts some people. While I was away, I spoke to a number of people who are paying far more in taxes on day-to-day purchases because of the HST. But their incomes have not gone up
I urge all those who have yet to fill in their ballots to do so — hopefully before this week is over. You can mail them back, or take them to a drop-off station at Willowbrook Shopping Centre.They are due by Friday, August 5.
